The 4th showdown (2nd in the UFC) between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya was significant owing to a lot of reasons. This was ‘The Last Stylebender’s last chance to defeat ‘Poatan’ who gained a reputation as the Nigerian’s official boogeyman.
Now that Izzy has succeeded in reclaiming his title and that too through a spectacular KO, many were left wondering what would be next for the arch-rivals. Alex did not keep fans waiting for long as he announced his move to the light-heavyweight division.
Why did Alex Pereira move to the Light-Heavyweight division?
Back in his kickboxing days, ‘Poatan’ had already become a two-division champ in both the Middleweight and Light-Heavyweight divisions. Anyone following the Brazilian’s journey in the UFC knows how much of a rough weight cut he has to go through every time to make it to middleweight.
There is also the Glover Teixeira factor as Alex has been training with the Veteran for quite a long time. Glover lost his latest shot at the title against Jamahal ‘Sweet Dreams’ Hill and promptly hung up the gloves.
Pereira was there inside the Octagon and he didn’t take very kindly to the new champion. Many fans were expecting a revenge-plot story from the powerhouse and things seem to be going that way.
“Boss, Alex Pereira just called Jamahal Hill out” pic.twitter.com/OiadHbrL8Y
— Hassan 🇸🇴 (@TherealHassanO) April 14, 2023
Who are the frontrunners to fight Alex Pereira?
Considering how big of a draw Alex is, 205-pounders have already started to call out the Brazilian. Even putting the rivalry against Hill aside, Poatan could be looking at fighters like Johnny Walker.
Of course, the current champ also senses the presence of a new challenge and he did not forget to acknowledge the potential bout on social media,
How did fans respond to the new Alex Pereira announcement?
Fans are mostly positive about the former kickboxing champs move to a new division. There are reactions coming both for and against Jamahaol and Alex. We have compiled some reactions below:
Jamahal Hill when Pereira announces his move up to 205 pic.twitter.com/TIHyUu03Md
— UFCStats💭 (@TheUFCStats) April 9, 2023
Alex Pereira beats Jamahal Hill at LHW
Israel Adesanya defends MW belt
Alex defends the LHW belt vs Izzy in fight #5 to end the rivalry with double champ status on the line 🤯 https://t.co/TEIta1Bq4b pic.twitter.com/GQttuRrmP8
— Luca Fury (@LucaFury) April 13, 2023
Jamahal Hill welcomes Alex Pereria to the Light Heavyweight division pic.twitter.com/BtpSQVkljW
— Mircea (@MMAMircea) April 13, 2023
With Adesanya expressing his unwillingness for a rematch and new challengers emerging in the Middleweight division! Do you think Poatan made the right move by switching divisions? Who do you want to see him fight next?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
